Fresh controversy has erupted during the second phase of polling in West Bengal, as serious allegations of EVM tampering surfaced from Falta in South 24 Parganas, raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.
Early on polling day, reports emerged alleging that white tape had been deliberately placed over the BJP’s election symbol on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at multiple booths in the Falta Assembly constituency. The issue quickly escalated, prompting swift intervention by the Election Commission of India.
The matter gained national attention after BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya shared a video on social media platform X, claiming that the same irregularity was found at booths numbered 144 and 189. Following these allegations, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, confirmed that repolling would be conducted at the affected booths.
According to official sources, similar complaints were received from several polling stations, including booth numbers 177 at Debipur and the Harindanga High School booth under the Falta constituency. In response, the Election Commission immediately sought reports from observers and reviewed webcasting footage from the booths in question.
Addressing the issue, the CEO made it clear that the Commission would follow a “zero tolerance” policy. He stated that wherever black or white tape was found on EVMs, repolling would be ordered without hesitation. He further warned that if large-scale irregularities were confirmed, the Commission would not hesitate to order a repoll across the entire Falta Assembly constituency.
Adding to the controversy, allegations were also raised regarding the application of perfume or scent on EVM buttons at booths numbered 252, 235, 226, 186, and 241, allegedly to confuse or mislead voters. Similar complaints have reportedly surfaced from nearby Magrahat as well. The Commission has already called for detailed reports, and officials confirmed that repolling would follow if the allegations are proven true.
Reacting strongly, BJP leaders accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of deliberately attempting to prevent voters from casting their votes, branding the alleged practice as part of a so-called “Diamond Harbour Model” of electoral manipulation. BJP candidate from Falta, Debangshu Panda, claimed that the tape was intentionally placed over the BJP button so that voters could neither see nor press it, thereby undermining free and fair elections.
On the other hand, the Trinamool Congress has categorically denied all allegations, dismissing them as political theatrics by the BJP, which, according to the ruling party, is attempting to create controversy in anticipation of defeat.
Sources within the Election Commission indicated that if repolling is ordered, it is likely to be conducted within the next one or two days. As the Commission continues to scrutinize observer reports and digital evidence, the developments in Falta have once again brought electoral transparency and accountability into sharp public focus.